High-Rise Living Designed from the Inside Out

Tapping a dream team of Swiss architects, Fortune International realty’s newest condominium is certainly a gem

Despite Miami-Dade County’s competitive condominium market and weekly announcements of development, the Sunny Isles-based 57-story property, Jade Signature, whose 192 units range from 1,400 to 10,500 square feet, is bringing impressive goods to the table. To begin with, it was designed by a dream team consisting of Herzog & de Meuron—it’s the Swiss architecture firm’s first residential high-rise in Miami—along with Pierre-Yves Rochon’s Parisian firm for interiors and Raymond Jungles for landscaping.

“It was extremely important that our residents have an authentic experience of living on the ocean,” Fortune International president Edgardo Defortuna says of the column-free units, which boast direct ocean and sunset views. Learning from other local developers’ mistakes, the team thought about every challenge plaguing the high-rise category. Most pools lose sun early in the day, for instance, so they researched the optimum angle for catching not only rays but ocean breezes. They also brought improvements to the way glass doors open and terraces withstand strong winds.

“We were impressed by Herzog & de Meuron’s towers because they design from the inside out, always with in-depth analysis,” says Defortuna, who considers himself lucky to have secured the firm. “Sophisticated buyers want a unique experience, and hiring a notable architect sets the foundation.”

Defortuna reports that Sunny Isles’ renaissance was cemented by the addition of restaurants and parks, but the oceanfront locale still remains the main selling factor. “It would be hard to find another site with 300 feet of prime oceanfront.” Below, Defortuna gives us his thoughts on the real estate milestones in Miami that have changed the game.

Edgardo Defortuna’s Four Real Estate Picks

1. Jade Ocean (2007)“The entrance and lobby are situated on the ocean rather than the street side. Custom software enabled residents to contact the valet, control lighting and even shop with the touch of a screen.” 17121 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

2. ICON Brickell (2008)
“This introduced a unique property through Philippe Starck’s genius. But what I really love is how they were able to pull off very strong interior design for three large structures.” 475 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131

3. Apogee (2009)
“Its unveiling brought simple lines, clean architecture, large units and high ceilings into play, ultimately resulting in attracting buyers from all over the world to Miami.” 800 S Pointe Drive, Miami, FL, 33139